The History of Chanukah in Carefree
In the summer of 2017, when the Town of Carefree Marketing Director, Gina Kaegi and the Executive Administrative Assistant, Vicki Zimmerman (now Jasperson) were planning their festivities for the December Holidays, a gentleman from the community, Phil Corso had started floating the idea of having something to include the Jewish community during the Holidays. That is when he spoke to a few people and one of our new Town Council members (at the time – and now Vice Mayor) Cheryl Kroyer. Cheryl shortly thereafter met with Alison Ballai, owner of the local retail store “Bosco’s Biscuits” and from their discussion and others, the idea was born to promote a cultural community event recognizing the holiday of Chanukah for the first time in the Town of Carefree. Alison recommended that the town call Karen Acker, who she felt would be able to help them organize this event. Vicki Zimmerman, the Executive Administrative Assistant at the time, called Karen in July, and without hesitation Karen jumped at the opportunity.
While still in New York for the summer, Karen, who is a member of Temple Chai, started to put the plan together and contacted the Temple Chai Cantor Ross Wollman who provided Karen with sources to secure the 6 ½ foot tall menorah. Temple Chai donated the menorah, and every year leads one of the evening lightings along with the Rabbi, his accompanist, and the Temple Chai choir (which includes Karen). Each year all eight nights are led by a different local organization which has also included, among many others, Phoenix Holocaust Association, Valley of the Sun JCC, Desert Foothills Jewish Community Association, Congregation Kehillah and Foothills Shevatim and the Center for Jewish Philanthropy.
We began a program called “Spirit of Giving” and each year help raise money for a local charity. Our selected charity for 2024 is the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center. We have also partnered with the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center who handle all the financial management for Chanukah in Carefree at no cost, for which we are grateful, and we encourage the community to support and recognize this wonderful retreat center. Many local establishments and organizations also donate to this wonderful event and the community continues to come together in deep spirit and generosity to celebrate all eight nights of Chanukah in the wonderful town of Carefree.
Our group of dedicated volunteers has expanded because of our success. Please be in touch with us should you want to be involved either with a program idea or to help with this event. We are always open to new ideas and looking for new leaders to continue to make this event special and meaningful for the entire community.
To contact us and for more information about this event, go to our website, ChanukahinCarefree.com.
Town of Carefree
We want to thank the Town of Carefree for their boundless support and generosity to ensure the success of Chanukah in Carefree. Since the start of this event in 2017, the leadership and staff of the Town of Carefree have provided guidance, resources, publicity, and have even volunteered their personal time to help make the nightly event successful. We are grateful to be able to hold this annual holiday celebration in the beautiful Sanderson Lincoln Pavillion, a perfect spot for the community to gather. We love where we live and are excited to continue this holiday celebration for years to come! For more information on the history of Carefree, shopping, and top attractions in the area, please visit www.carefree.org.
Contact Madisyn Garrett (Madisyn@carefree.org) from the Town of Carefree for more information.